Consider a Mobile Home

Undoubtedly, there is a social stigma that goes along with living in a mobile home.  I’m sure that many of you are cringing at the thought as you begin reading this article.

But why?  Living in a mobile home is economical and convenient for college students.

In the Morgantown area, there are multiple mobile home parks which provide opportunities for renting and owning.  In both cases, costs are usually cheaper than living in a traditional house or apartment.

View Larger Map

In 2007, the average cost for a new mobile home was $37,100 plus the cost of land or lot rent.  In most cases though, you can move in to an established mobile home for a fraction of that price.

The lower initial investment also makes owning a piece of property more realistic for many families.  This allows cashless college students to avoid the endless cycle of paying rent but never building any assets.

Most mobile homes plots also have a small yard space, which can’t be said for the average apartment building.

The unfortunate consequence of owning a mobile home is that instead of gaining value over time, they often depreciate.  This is especially true for buying a new home but can be avoided if you are willing to invest in a fixer-upper.

There are many options that a homeowner could take to increase value.  Owners can build a porch, do cosmetic work around the property, add a shingled roof or buy new appliances to name a few.

Buying or renting a mobile home may not be the best option for every college student, but I encourage you to weigh the pros and cons while considering your own situation.

Here is a list of mobile home parks compiled by the WVU Off-Campus Housing Office to consider.

Advertisement